TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Evaluating the Geriatric Patient A1 - Kane, Robert L. A1 - Ouslander, Joseph G. A1 - Resnick, Barbara A1 - Malone, Michael L. Y1 - 2017 N1 - T2 - Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics, 8e AB - Evaluation can occur at different levels of intensity and at different stages of a disease. It can be comprehensive or more focused. Comprehensive evaluation of an older individual’s health status is one of the most challenging aspects of clinical geriatrics. Geriatrics addresses multimorbidity. It involves sorting out the manifestations of multiple simultaneous problems. It requires sensitivity to the concerns of people, awareness of the many unique aspects of their medical problems, ability to interact effectively with a variety of health professionals, and often a great deal of patience. It requires a perspective different from that used to evaluate younger individuals. Not only are the a priori probabilities of diagnoses different, but one must be attuned to subtler findings. Because functioning is a key element in geriatric management, assessment must address a wider range of domains that include social function and mental health. Progress may be measured on a finer scale. Special tools are needed to ascertain relatively small improvements in chronic conditions and overall function compared with the more dramatic cures of acute illnesses often possible in younger patients. Creativity is essential to incorporate these tools efficiently in a busy clinical practice. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1149535799 ER -